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He cleared his throat. “I know you were listening back there,” he said. “Did I really just agree to be auctioned off on some kind of blind date?”
“Yep.” Her green eyes didn’t look hungover anymore. Blondie was actually enjoying this.
“Glad to know I’m making your day.”
“Aw, c’mon, you have to admit the whole thing is kind of funny. Like something out of a sixties sitcom. Last night you were practically engaged to Victoria and this morning you’re Whispering Bay’s newest most eligible bachelor.” She giggled. “This town is really growing on me.”
“Your inflatable bed can easily be moved to the outdoor patio. The lease doesn’t say anything about you actually living inside the house.”
“Ouch. Okay, I’ll behave. If it’s any consolation, it’s a really good preschool program. You’re doing a good thing with this silent auction.”
“Then why don’t you volunteer to be auctioned off?”
“Sorry, but you’re the hot commodity around here, stud, not me. And as a matter of fact, I am going to be auctioned off. Sort of. I’m giving away what I do best—a fresh cooked homemade meal for four. Winner’s choice of three menus to choose from. Delivered right to their doorstep.” She shrugged. “It’s not a big thing, but maybe it’ll help some frazzled parents on a busy school night.”
“You forget I’ve eaten your cooking, so it is kind of a big deal.”
She smiled like she was pleased by his compliment, then stood up to leave.
“Did you know that my niece was her class valedictorian?” he asked on impulse.
Sarah nodded. “I think Zeke has told everyone in town. Not that I blame him. She’s a smart girl. You must be really proud of her.”
“I didn’t know, till just now, when Stacey told me.”
Why he’d just admitted that to Sarah, of all people, he had no idea. It only added more proof to her theory of his selfishness. Maybe it was because she had no filter, always saying exactly what was on her mind, and for whatever reason (call him a masochist), he was interested in hearing what she thought about the fact that his niece had been awarded one of the highest honors any high school student could hope to achieve, and he’d been clueless.
Instead of saying something snarky like he halfway expected, she said, “Well, you know, you travel a lot.”
“Right.” He traveled a lot.
She glanced away, but not before he caught a look in her eye that looked suspiciously like pity. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
He glanced down at his muffin, but he wasn’t hungry anymore. “Thanks. But I’m good.”
Chapter Ten
Luke opened the door to city hall. The receptionist sitting behind the desk recognized him from yesterday’s visit and smiled. “The mayor is with someone, but I’m sure it will be okay if you pop in to say hello.”
He thanked her and was on his way back to his sister’s office when she added, “Can I just say how excited everyone is about the preschool silent auction? I know of at least three women in my water aerobics class who plan to bid on you!”
Luke stopped dead in his tracks. He’d only just agreed to do the silent auction thirty minutes ago. How in the world—“Great,” he said, knowing that he sounded less than enthusiastic. Maybe Mimi would know a way out of this silent auction mess.
The someone in his sister’s office was a tall woman with auburn hair and clear blue eyes. Despite the severity of her navy blue power suit, she was attractive, in a totally I’m-in-charge kind of way.
“Luke!” Mimi came around her desk to give him a hug, then turned to the redhead. “Jenna Pantini, meet my very single brother, Luke Powers.”
Obviously, Mimi had already heard about the silent auction and was planning to have a little fun with him this morning. Luke gritted his teeth.
Jenna extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, very single brother,” she said, trying to hold back a laugh. Not that he blamed her for thinking his situation was funny. He’d be laughing, too, if he wasn’t the brunt of the joke.
“You’re Viola’s niece,” he said. He wondered how funny she’d think this was if she knew that her single status was another hot topic of interest among the Gray Flamingos.
“As well as Whispering Bay’s newest city manager. So, you know my aunt?”
“She was my sixth grade teacher. And a terrific lady.”
Jenna smiled warmly. “That she is.”
